WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 12, 2025) – SHIA Restaurant and the Korean Community Service Center of the Greater Washington (KCSC) proudly announce the four recipients of the inaugural K-Food Grant Initiative. Due to an overwhelming number of high-quality, innovative proposals, the partnership expanded its commitment from two to four grants, collectively investing in the next generation of Korean-American culinary entrepreneurs who are redefining Korean food culture in the DMV area.

The program officially kicked off last week with a welcome session for the cohort, who will work on their projects from now until mid-March 2026.

"The response to this initiative confirmed the incredible drive and creativity within our community to elevate K-Food beyond familiar dishes," said Monica Kang, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer of SHIA Restaurant. "These four projects showcase profound cultural respect combined with genuine innovation. We are proud to support entrepreneurs who are addressing community needs, from elder care to sustainability, all through the lens of Korean cuisine."

The 2025 K-Food Grant Cohort includes:

Zachary Suh (HomePlate): Focused on creating authentic Korean meals for seniors, blending traditional flavors with dietary requirements for dignity and health.

Soomin Kim (Virginialicious): A culinary tour venture dedicated to elevating and marketing the diverse Korean food landscape of Northern Virginia to a wider audience.

Claire Lee (JADU): A DMV-focused social media channel that bridges Korean cuisine, culture, and community stories by spotlighting 30 local Korean eateries.

Jinny Lee (bit bakery): Focused on both sustainability and culinary innovation, Jinny will research verified green packaging solutions while developing one new, signature cookie flavor using lesser-known Korean ingredients.

Jina Kim, Chairman of the KCSC Board added, "This cohort embodies the spirit of cultural preservation and forward-thinking leadership we hoped to foster. Their work over the next several months will not only benefit their individual ventures but also strengthen the Korean-American community and enrich the broader culinary scene here in the Greater Washington Area."

The grantees will share their project outcomes and stories with the community, culminating in a special presentation at the KCSC Gala 2026 on April 12, 2026.